Vij’s Garam Masala

matt · 5 November 2023
Date Posted
Ingredients
  • 1 heaping teaspoon (5 to 7 mL) whole cloves
  • 1½ tsp (7.5 mL) black cardamom seeds (about 10 whole cardamom pods)
  • 6 heaping tablespoons (90 to 100 mL) cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) pounded cinnamon sticks
  • ¼ tsp (1 mL) ground mace
  • ¼ tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
Body
  1. Turn on your stove exhaust fan. In a heavy-bottomed frying pan, heat cloves, black cardamom seeds, cumin seeds and cinnamon sticks on medium to high heat, stirring constantly. When the cumin seeds become a darker shade of brown, remove from the stove. Transfer the roasted spices to a bowl and cool for 20 minutes.
  2. Place roasted spices, mace and nutmeg in a spice (or coffee) grinder and grind until the mixture has the consistency of store-bought ground black pepper. Can be used right away. Will also keep in an airtight container in a dark cupboard or drawer for up to 6 months.